Fans of Mori Calliope, an animated character, packed a sold-out Hollywood concert hall to see their virtual idol perform, showcasing the global ambitions of Japan's "VTuber" subculture. "VTubers have the appearance of anime characters, and they can still communicate with fans for real thanks to advanced technology," says Motoaki Tanigo, CEO of Tokyo-based talent agency Cover Corp, which aims to make its roster of virtual YouTubers the country's next big cultural export. Virtual characters like Mori Calliope are brought to life on stage through a hologram-like illusion with an actor behind her using motion capture techniques to communicate directly online with fans. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES ARRANGED IN SEQUENCES